"It is likely that if you get caught in those falls, in the water on those falls, you're going to get a citation," said Captain Chris Hodge with the DNR.

In October 2017, another High Falls water rescue involving a helicopter was also high-risk. Emergency responders want to avoid more situations like that, which caused the death of 12-year-old Christian Burdette.

Raymond Layman, who's lived in the area for 40 years, said DNR should have cracked down on trespassers years ago. He said it's frustrating to watch people get in the water.

"A lot of people risking their lives to save these people who don't care evidently," said Layman.

Those lives include Monroe County first responders and the Macon-Bibb Swift Water Dive Team - a team that's learned from past experiences to save people like the two teens who got stuck on the falls.

"It's not something that comes overnight, it comes through training, it comes through experience, it comes through immersing yourself in your craft," said Perry.

Captain Hodge added that the DNR will post more officers at High Falls State Park. Anyone who's caught disobeying the signs will face criminal trespass charges.